bostonsparky wrote:
the most lively scene by far in the town is called 'the corner' which is the area university ave going east as it approaches 10th st. its walking distance for the undergrads but a bit of a hike from the darden campus. if you're looking for an older crowd I suggest Buffalo Wild Wings (not to be confused with Wild Wing by the train station) which is walking distance from the Darden campus, or South street which is a bit east of where the corner is.
Have to disagree with you there. I did my undergrad at UVA (CLAS '04) and I grew up about an hour away.
The Corner is definitely a great time and a must-see for any visitor to Charlottesville. But unless you're looking to regress into your undergrad years or pick up sorority chicks (more power to you - you won't find hotter girls anywhere), it might not be your best bet for a place to hang out. I would suggest the Downtown Mall over the Corner any day. Most of the graduate and law school students go there to avoid the undergrads. The Downtown Mall is hopping just about every weekend - a ton of bars, a club, outdoor cafes that stay open very late, etc. It's the heart and soul of Charlottesville.
Of course, I admit that I'm biased here. I fell in love with Charlottesville and have every intention of moving back and settling down there eventually.